Combined safety and throw-off mechanism.



C. F. ROOT.

COMBINED SAFETY AND THROW -OFF MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 4. 19m.

1,289,273, Patented Dec.31,1918.

5 SHEETS-SHEET I.

Suva/14 607,

j M J ihmm C. F. ROOT.

COMBINED SAFETY AND THROW-OFF MECHANISM,

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 4, 1918.

1,289,273., Patented Dec. 31,1918.

5 SHEETSSHEET 2.

attouwq C. F. ROOT.

COMBINED SAFETY AND THROW-OFF MECHANISM.

' APPLICATION FILED MAR. 4. I918.

Patented Dec. 31, 19I8.

5 SHEETSSHEET 3.

C. F. ROOT.

COMBINED SAFETY AND THROW-OFF MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 4, 1915.

1,289,273., Patented Dec. 31, 1918.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4- I I l at C. F. ROOT.

COMBINED SAFETY AND THROW-OFF MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 4. 1918.

0G 1 9. 1 )T 1E 00% as es Du E M t5 H 6 a an uawtoz pn'rrn s rnr I FATE? FlC ' CHARLES F. ROOT, OF RAVENNA, OHIO, ASQBIG-NOR OF GEE-FOURTH TO BYRON 0. CONN,

F NSFIELD, OHIO.

COMBINED SAFETY AND THROW-OFF MECHANISM.

Specification of Letters Batent.

Patented nee. at, was.

Application filed march 42, 1918. Serial No. 220,180.

To all whom it may concern: I

Be it blown that 1, Cinemas F. Roe 1, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Ravenna, in the county of Portage and Stateof Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Combined Safety and Throw-OE Mechanism, ofwhich the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a combined safety and throw-on mechanism.

The primary object of the present inven tion is to apply a safety and throw-0E mechanism to platen printing presses or the like, the mechanism being automatically operable by pressure upon the platen or work engag ing element or by an obstruction (such as the hand or fingers) interposed by design or inadvertence between the platen and bed or similar work engagingelements of analogous machines and to provide an auxiliary throwoff mechanism manually operable to actuate the safety mechanism continually or periodically to prevent the work engaging elements from exerting a pressure upon work interposed therebetween, z. e. an impression of the type upon the material used in they process of printin.

A. further object is to construct a combined safety and throw-ofi mechanism which is incorporated in or which can be applied to printing presses or analogous machines without afiect-mg, interfering with or obstructing the operator in interposing the Work between or withdrawing it from between the work engaging elements, thereby permitting the operator to maintain the highest degree of eficiency.

A. furtherobject is to construct, arrange,

combine and apply the parts comprising the safety device in such a manner as to permitv A further object is to provide means of changing the position or throw of the crank pins of the connecting bed shaft and the crank pins of the eccentric shaft upon which the bed is pivotally mounted to vary the space between the work engaging elements and also to permit of parallel adjustment of the work engaging elements in their relation to each other. i

' I attain these and other objects by the mechanism illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which: I

Figure 1 is a right side elevation of a conventional type of printing press showing the combined safety and throw-off mechanism and means to vary the relation of the work engaging elements with respect to each other, applied thereto. This view also shows the fingers of the operator interposed between the work engaging elements and the yieldable element in inoperative or partially collapsed position.

Fig. 2 is a right side elevation of a conventional type of printing press showing the work engaging elements in position to exert a pressure upon interposed work in full lines, with the invention applied thereto, and one of the work engaging elements (or platen) in dotted lines in inoperative position. This view also shows a roller engaging a track to support the work engaging element.

Fig. 3 is a left side elevation of a conventional type of printin press showing the safety mechanism app led thereto with the throw-off mechanism omitted. This view also shows. the safety-mechanism about to be actuated at a predetermined point in the working movement of the non-yieldable element to prevent the yieldable element from yielding when subjected to pressure orre sistance.

. Fig. t is a rear plan view of the yieldable element '(or platen) showing the safety and throw-off mechanism applied thereto.

' Fig. 5 is a vertical cross-section of Fig. 4, on the line 00 showing thesafety mechanism in position to prevent the yieldable element from yielding;

Fig. 6 is a cross-section on the same line of said figure showing the yieldable element yielding or partially collapsed.

Fig. 7 is a planview of part of a conventional type of printing press showing the safety, throw-oil" and parallel or adjusting mechanism applied thereto.

Fig. 8 is an end elevation of the rocker shaft and one of the rocker shaft journal caps showing a cam provided thereon and shaft.

Fig. 9 shows a sectional side elevation on the line X X of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 shows a vertical section of the yieldable work engaging element (or platen) also the operating lever of the throw-off mechanism in normal position.

Fig. 11 shows a rearview of a fragment of one corner of the frame of the safety mechanism slidably mounted upon a tongue or projecting portion (shown in dotted lines) of a bolt provided on the yieldable work engaging element or platen.

Fig. 12 is a side elevation of Fig. 11 showing the tongue or projecting portion engaging a slot in the frame of the safety mechanism.

Fig. 13 shows a side view of a lever pivoted to the ink roller arm of the press, a bifurcated adjustable bracket which is secured to one of the side arms of the press and a yieldable roller supporting member which is pivoted to the bracket,

Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

In the drawings the combined safety and throw-off mechanism is shown applied to a conventional type of printing press, the preferred embodiment of the invention being' shown. It is obvious however that the same results can be obtained by making immaterial changes or alterations without departing from the spirit or generic principles of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, reference numeral 1 represents the frame of a con-ventional type of platen printing press, 2 the bed, 3 the platen, 4 and 5 the side arms, 6 and 7 the disks, 8 the ink roller arm, 9 the rocker,

10 the rocker shaft and l111, 12 and 12" the rocker shaft bearings and bearing caps respectively.

In the construction and the application of the safety and throw-off mechanism to a printing press, a frame 13 (preferably formed rectangular) is provided having slots 14 formed in each corner which are adapted to fit and slidably engage tongues or projections 15 preferably formed on the ends of bolts 16; said bolts being spaced apart to conform and coincide with the slots in the frame. The bolts are threadably secured to the lugs 17 provided on the platen.

The frame or sliding plate 13 is yieldingly held in juxtaposition to the faces of the lugs 17 by expansible springs 18 which exert tension or pressure against the frame. The springs are interposed between the washers 19 and the head 20 of stud bolts 21. The frame 13 is ermitted to slide when actuated within thev imits of the slots 22, 23 and 14 which are formed in the frame to receive the bolts 21 and tongues 15. Blocks 25 are provided on or secured to the frame and removable blocks 26 fastened thereto by screws 27 which permit of different sizes or numbers of shims being inserted between the removable blocks 26 and the tops of the blocks 25.

The removable shims permit the operator to line up the platen parallel with the opposing element to equalize the impression of the type upon the material used for printing purposes. An extension member 28 is provided on one end of the frame having a slot 29 formed therein for a purpose hereinafter described.

The rocker 9 is preferably provided with curved adjustable rocker arms 31 and 32 which are spaced apart and pivoted to similar arms 33'and 34 provided on the platen 3. Pins 35 pass through suitable apertures formed in said arms thereby pivotally connecting the platen to the rocker arms. Thewhich are attached to the arms 30 and 31 and to the end of the extended portions 37 of the platen arms.

The forward pivotal or rocking movement of the platen with respect to the rocker'is limitedby a link mechanism comprising a slotted link 38 which is pivotally attached at one end to the platenand its opposite or slotted end is connected to a curved link 39 by a pin 40 which slidably engages the slot 41 formed in the link 38. The extent of the forward pivotal movement of the platen can be governed by the. adjustment of the nut 44. The end 42 of the link 39 is provided with an aperture to receive a bolt 43 which is secured to the rocker. An adjustable nut 44 is provided on the bolt and the curved end 42 of with'an extension or nose portion 49 and a curved free end 50 is pivotally mounted upon a pin 51 to swing within the side walls of the bifurcated bracket 47 and away from the bottom wall thereof (see Fig. 13).

An adjustable bifurcated bracket 52 is" clamped or otherwise fastened to the side arm 5 of the press. In the present instance the bracket is adjustably held in place upon roller arm 8 is provided with a bifurcated bracket 47. I A lever 48 which is provided the arm by the set screw 53. A roller supporting member 54 carrying a roller 54 is pivotally mounted upon a pin 55 and adaptsesame ed to pivot between the walls of the bifurcated bracket member 52. It is normally held in its forward position in yielding contact with the bracket ti l by means of coil springs 56 and 57 which are secured at one end to a pin 58 provided on the bracket 52 and at their opposite ends to a pin 59 which is secured to an arm 60 provided on the roller supporting member 54. The bearing cap 12 is provided with a cam 61 and a cam operated lever 62 is pivotally secured to a slotted stud bolt 63 and it also engages a. slot formed in the stud bolt 64. The stud bolts 63 and 64, as shown in Fig. 8, are threadably secured to one endof the rocker shaft 10. The free end 65 of the lever 62 engages the slot 29 in the extension 28 of the'frame 13.

The above describes the safety mechanism and means for operating same. The throwofl mechanism will now ,be described which cooperates with. the safety mechanism for throw-0H purposes:

The auxiliary mechanism which may be operated periodically or locked to continually actuate the safety mechanism to prevent an impression being made by the type upon the work or in other words, perform a throw-off function in cooperation with the safety mechanism is constructed, arranged and combined with the safety mechanism as follows: A cross-bar 66 is pivotally mounted upon the platen preferably through the medium of the legs 67 and 68 and the pins 69. The cross-bar 66 is yieldingly maintained in its forward position as shown in Fig. 5, by a pawl 70 which is pivoted upon a pin 71 and held in yielding contact with the cross-bar by the tension of a coil spring 73. A pawl 7-1 is pivotally secured to the platen contacting with the leg 67 of the cross-bar 66 and its free end engages a notch 75 formed in a swinging pivoted member 76 which is secured to the rocker. A rubber bumper 77 is secured to the member 76.

In order to operate the safety mechanism for throw-off purposes, periodically or continuously at the will of the operator, an L shaped lever 78 is manually manipulated to force the portion 79 thereof which normally lies within the notch 80 to engage the leg 68 of the cross-bar 66 and'tilt same to the position shown in Fig. 6, thereby actuating the tension pawl 70 to engagethe notch 81 in the upper end of the frame and lock the sliding frame 13 in inoperative position.

As the cross-bar 66 is tilted. movement at the same time is being imparted to the swing ing member 76. forcing it to the position shown in Fig. l, with the bumper 77 interposed between the platen and bed. thereby providing means ,of obstructing, resisting on exerting a pressure upon the bed and platen and permitting the platen to yield at any point in the working movement of the bed prior to reaching the predetermined point at which the safety mechanism is actuated to prevent the platen from yielding.

To support the platen when it is being rocked to the position shown in dotted lines on Fig. 2, a track 82 .is provided on the hearing cap 12 to engage a roller 83 which is secured to the platen and'adapted to engage the track. In supporting the weight of the platen in this manner, the tension or size of the springs 36 used for maintaining the platen in its normal or forward position with respect to the rocker and bed can be greatly reduced.

In order to afi'ord means for varying the relative parallel position of the bed with respect to the platen, a clamp 84 is provided and friotionally held in any adjusted position upon the eccentric shaft 86 by the bolts 87. The relation of the bed with respect to the platen can be adjusted to give more or less space between the bed and platen by adjusting the set screws 88 and 89 which are threadably secured to the arms 90 and 91 of the clamp having their ends abutting against the web 92 of the bed. A similar mechanism is arranged. to coiiperate with the eccentric shaft 93 upon which the bed is pivotally mounted. If it is desired, the pivoted supporting member 54 can be adjusted to vary the time of the engagement of the roller 54 with the nose a9 of the pivoted lever 48 through the medium of the shims 94.

The operation of my device is as follows:

When movement is imparted to the disks 6 and 7, a reci-procatory movement is thereby transmitted to the side arms 4 and 5 and the bed 2. The side arms are connected at one end to the crank pins 11 and Z of the disks and at their opposite ends to the crank pins 0 and 05 of the eccentric shaft 86. As the'side arms move toward. the platen in their working stroke, the roller 54 which is carried by the side arm 5 in its cycle of movement, contacts with the nose 49 forcing the curved free end 50 of the lever 48 in contact with a cam lever 62 which engages the slot 29 in the sliding frame 13 inniarting movement thereto and moving the blocks 25 provided on the sliding "frame to the dotted line positions shown in Fig. 7 or in other words between the lugs 17 of the platen and the lugs 95 of the rocker 9, to abut against the lugs and maintain the platen rigid to exert pressure upon work interposed between the platen and the bed after the bed has reached a predetermined point in its working movement.

The roller 54: is arranged to contact with the nose 49 of the pivotal lever 48 when the low place 6 of the cam is alined with the pivotal cam lever 62, thereby permitting the cam lever 62 to actuate the sliding frame to operative position as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 7 and the blocks 25 remain in this position until the bed 2 and platen have exerted a pressure upon the work and the bed is about to make its rearward or idle movement. During the idle or rearward movement'of the bed, the cam pin 7'' imparts a rocking movement to the rocker which movement in turn at a predetermined point forces the cam lever 62 in contact with the high point of the cam 61, thereby imparting a sliding movement to the frame 13 to permit yielding movement of the platen and positioning the frame and blocks in inoperative position as shown in full lines on Fig. 7.

Under normal conditions the frame 13 carrying the blocks 25 is forced to operative position upon every working movement of the bed and forward stroke of the side arms by the roller 54 which contacts with and exerts a pressure against the nose 49 of the pivotal lever 48.

The operation of the press under abnormal conditions is as follows:

As shown in Fig. 1, if the bed in-its working stroke is subjected to resistance or pressure or meets with an obstruction (such as the fingers or hand) prior to reaching a predetermined point in its working movement or travel toward the platen, the platen 3 will yield or collapse as shown in Figs. 1 and 6 as the blocks 25 are normally held out of alinement with the lugs 95 of the rocker or in inoperative position as shown in full lines in Fig. 7, and they will not abut against or contact with the lugs 95 of the rocker and legs 17 of the platen. The pressure upon the platen counteracts the tension of the springs 36 which normally maintain the platen in its forward position.

When the platen is subjected to pressure or resistance prior to the bed reaching a predetermined point in its working move-' blocks of the sliding frame are normally maintained out of alinement with the lugs of the platen and rocker therefore they cannot abut against the lugs of the platen and rocker and as the roller 54' contacts with or engages the nose 49 of the pivoted lever 48, the lever is forced to pivot upon the pin 55 counteracting'the tension of the springs 56 and 57 which permits the roller to ride over the nose 49 of the pivoted lever 48 without imparting movement to the sliding frame. Whenthe throw-ofi' mechanism is used in conjunction with the safety mechanism and manually actuated, it also automatically locks the sliding frame as described.

If the operator desires to throw off the impression of the t pe upon the work, he manipulates the LS aped lever or exerts a pressure on the cross-bar 66 tilting the bar to the position shown in Fig. 6 which forces the tension pawl 70 to engage a slot 81 and means to actuate said sliding mechanism to lock the sliding frame 13 in inoperative position and as the sliding bar 66 is tilted to the position shown in Fig. 6, simultaneously therewith the leg 67 of the bar 66 contacts with the pawl 74 which imparts movement to the bracket 76 throwing the bumper 77 between the bed and platen so that the bed will meet an obstruction, resistance or pressure upon every working movement prior to reaching the predetermined point at which the cam lever is actuated to force the sliding frame and blocks into operative position.

If it is desired to continually throw off the impression of the type, the lever 79 is permitted to remain engaged with the leg 68 a thereby actuating the bracket 76 to continually maintain thebumper 77 between the bed and the platen. If, however, it is de-. sired to actuate the throw-ofi mechanism periodically the lever 78 is manipulated to the position shown in Fig. 10 with the part 79 in the'notch 80 which permits the cross bar 66 to assume the position at which .it is normally maintained by the pawl 70.

I claim: I

1. In combination, a duplex work engaging element compressing a .rocker and a platen which are pivotally connected together, a sliding mechanismadapted to be interposed between said members, means to actuate said sliding mechanism to operative position, and means to withdraw said sliding mechanism from operative position.

' 2. In combination with a duplex wo'rk engaging element compressing a rocker and a platen, said members being pivotally connected together, a sliding mechanism adapted to be interposed between said members,

operative position, means to withdraw said sliding mechanism from operative position, and manually operable means adapted when actuated to constantly or periodically prevent the sliding mechanism from being 0 forced between the members comprising the duplex element.

3.- In a machine equipped with coiiperative pressure elements, one of said elements comprising a rocker and a platen which are 1 5 pivotally connected together and normally maintained in spaced relation to each other under spring tension, a sliding mechanism, means to impart movement to the sliding mechanism at a predetermined time to force said sliding mechanism into the space between the rocker and platen, and means to withdraw said sliding mechanism from operative position at a predetermined time.

4. In a machine equipped with cotipera- 5 tive pressure elements, one of said elements comprising a rocker and a platen which are pivotally connected together and normally maintained in spaced relation to each other under spring tension, a sliding mechanism,

Laaaave means to impart movement to the sliding gaging element, the parts of which comprise a platen and a rocker which are pivotally connected together and maintained in spaced relation to each other to permit the platen to yield under pressure, a sliding mechanism, means to force the sliding mechanism to operative position to resist pressure upon the platen, and means to Withdraw the sliding mechanism from operative position to permit the platen to yield.

6. In combination with a duplex work engaging element, the parts of which comprise a platen and a rocker which are pivotally connected together and maintained in spaced relation to each other to permit the platen to yield under pressure, a sliding mechanism, means to force the sliding mechanism to operative position, means secured to the rocker to withdraw the sliding mechanism from operative position, and manually operable means adapted when actuated to constantly or periodically prevent operative movement of the sliding mechanism.

7 In combination with a duplex work engaging element, the parts of which are spaced apart and pivotally connected together to permit one of the parts'to yield when subjected to premature pressure, a unitary work engaging element, actuating means therefor, means secured to said actuating means to force said sliding mechanism to operative position at a predetermined time, and means to withdraw said sliding mechanism from operative position at a predetermined time.

8. In combination with a duplex work engaging element, the parts of which are spaced apart and pivotally connected together to permit one of the parts to yield when subjected to premature pressure, a unitary work engaging element, actuating means therefor, means secured to said actuating means to force said sliding mechanism to operative position at a predetermmed time, means to withdraw said sliding mechanism from operative position at a predetermined time, and manually operable means adapted when actuated to constantly or periodically prevent the sliding mechanism from being forced to operative positlon.

"9. The combination with a-duplex work performing element and of normally collapsible connections between the parts of the duplex element-including a sliding member operable to permit said parts to collapse, a

unitary element, a side arm connected to the unitary element, an ink roller arm, and means secured to said side and ink roller arms whereby said member is operated during the operative movement of the unitary work performing element and just prior to the engagement of saidelement with the work and when the path of the element is free to render said connections rigid and against collapsing.

10. The combination with a duplex work performing element and of normally collapsible connections between the parts of the duplex element including a sliding member operable to permit said parts to collapse, an ink roller arm, a unitary element, a side arm connected to the unitary element, means secured to the side and ink roller arms whereby said member is operated during the operative movement of the unitary work performing element and just prior to the engagement of said element with the work and when the path of the element is free to render said connections rigid against collapsing, and manually operable means adapted when actuatedto constantly or periodically prevent the sliding mechanism from being forced between the members comprising the duplex elements.

11. The combination with a duplex work performing element,-of normally collapsible connections between the parts of the duplex element comprising a sliding frame provided with abutment blocks operable to permit said parts to collapse, an ink roller arm, a unitary element, a side arm connected to the unitary element, and means secured to the side and ink roller arms whereby said sliding frame is operated during the operative. movement of the unitary element and just prior to the engagement of said element with the work and when the path of the element is free to render said connections rigid against collapsing.

12. The combination with a duplex work 119 performing element, of normally collapsible connections between the parts of the duplex element comprising a sliding frame provided with abutment blocks operable to permit said parts to collapse, an ink roller arm, a 115 unitary element, a side arm connected to the unitary element, means secured to the side and ink roller arms whereby said sliding frame is operated during the operative movement of the unitary element and just 129 prior to the engagement of said element with the work and when the path of the element is free to render said connections rigid against collapsing, and manually operable means adapted when actuated to constantly 125 or periodically prevent the sliding mechanism from being forced between the members comprising the duplex elements.

13. The combination with a duplex element of a machine, a unitary element and its we actuating means, of normally yieldable connections between the parts of the duplex element adapted to yield when movement of said parts to yield when sub ected to pressure prior to the unitary operative. element contacting with the Work.

.14. The combination with a duplex and a unitary moving element of a machine and the actuating means thereof, the duplex element comprising normally yieldable and .relatively movable parts, a slidin frame to rigidly connect said parts at a pre etermined point in the operative movement of sa1d unitary element, and means whereby the parts of said duplex element may move relatively to each other when movement of said duplex element is resisted by an extraneous obstruction before said predetermined point is reached. Q

15 The combination with a duplex and a unitary moving element of a machine and the actuating means thereof, the duplex ele-. ment comprising normally yieldable and relatively movable arts, a sliding fraine to rigidly connect said parts at a predetermined point in the operative movement of said unitary element, and means whereby the parts of said duplex element may move relatively to each other when movement of said duplex element-is resisted by an extraneous obstructionbefore said predetermined point is reached, and manually operable means adapted when actuated to constantly or periodically prevent the sliding mechanism from being forced between. the members comprising the duplex elements. a 16. In combination with a duplex rockmg member, a unitary reciprocating member, means to actuate said duplex member,

- a sliding frame equi ped with abutment blocks and adapted to be interposed be tween the parts of the duplex member, means to actuate the. unitary member, and automatic means secured to'the actuating means of the unitary member to actuate said slidmg frame to force it to a position to permit the parts of the duplex member to collapse If it meets with resistance before the unitary member reaches a predetermined point adapted to be interposed between the parts of the duplex member, means to actuate the unitary member, automatic means secured to the actuating means of the duplex member to actuate said sliding frame to force it to a poition to permit the parts of the duplex member to collapse if it meets with resistance before the unitary member reaches a predetermined point in its operative movement, and manually operable means adapted when actuated to constantly or periodically prevent the sliding m'echanism from being forced between the members comprising duplex elements.

18. In'combination with a rocking duplex and a unitary moving member, a sliding frame provided with abutment blocks which is adapted to be interposed between the parts of the duplex member, automatic means to operate the slidin member to irigidly connect the parts of the duplex member, and automatic means to operate the sliding member to force it to a position to permit the duplex member to yield when it encounters an obstruction before the unitary member reaches a predetermined point'in its working movement.

19. In combination with a rocking duplex and a unitary member,- a sliding frame provided with abutment blocks whlch is adapted to be interposed between the parts of the duplex member, automatic means to operate the sliding member to rigidly connect the parts of the duplex member, automatic means to operate the sliding member to force it to a position to permit the duplex memberto yield when it encounters an obstructionbefore the unitary member reaches a predetermined point in its working movement, and manually operable means adapted when actuated to constantly or periodically prevent the sliding mechanism from being forced between the members comprising the duplex elements.

20. \In combination with a duplex, work engaging element, a unitary moving element,

actuating means for the unitary element, a

slidingframe adapted to be interposed between the parts of the duplex member, automatic means ecured to the actuating means of the unitary elementto force thesliding frame in a position to interlock the parts of the duplex member at a predetermined point in the working movement of the unitary element, and automatic means toprevent the sliding frame from shifting to a position to 'interlockth'e parts of the duplex member if ubjected to resistance before the unitary element reaches said predetermined point.

21.- In combination with a duplex work engaging element, a unitary moving element, actuating means for the unitary element, a sliding frame adapted to be interposed between the parts of the duplex member, automatic means secured to the actuatnaeaars ing means of the unitary element to force the sliding frame in a position to interlock the parts of the duplex member at a predetermined point in the working movement of the unitary element, automatic means to prevent the sliding frame from being operated to a position to interlock the parts of the duplex member if subjected to resistance before the unitary element reaches said predetermined point, and manually operable means adapted when actuated to con stantly or periodically prevent the sliding mechanism from being forced between the members comprising the duplex elements.

22. Incombination with a rocking duplex work engaging element and a unitary reciprocating element, actuating means for the unitary element, a sliding frame adapted to be interposed between the parts of the duplex member, automatic means secured to the,

unitary element to force the sliding frame to a position to interlock the parts of the duplex member at a predetermined point in the working movement of the unitary element, automatic means secured to the duplex element to prevent the sliding frame from being operated to a position to interlock the parts of the duplex member if subjected to resistance before the unitary element reaches said predetermined point, and manually operated means to periodically or continuously prevent the parts of the duplex element from interlocking.

23. In combination with a duplex and a unitary member to act on work, the parts of the duplex member being pivotally connected and adapted to be moved in unison and independent of each other, means to actuate the unitary member, a sliding frame interposed between the parts of the duplex member, means secured to the actuating means of the unitary member to automatically operate said sliding frame to a position to rigidly interlock the parts of the duplex member for pressure and movement in unison, means secured to the duplex member to automatically operate the sliding member to a position to permit one part to yield relative to the other upon encountering resistance before the unitary element is interlocked, and manually operable means adapted when actuated to constantly or periodically prevent the sliding mechanism from being actuated to operative position.

24. In combination with a duplex and a unitary member to act on the work, the parts of the duplex member being pivotally connected and adapted to be moved in unison and independent of each other, means to actuate the unitary member, a sliding frame interposed between the partsof the duplex member, means secured to the actuating means of the unitary member to automatically operate said sliding frame to rigidly interlock the parts for pressure and movement in unison, means secured to the duplex member to operate the sliding member to permit one part to yield relative to the other upon encountering resistance before the unitary element reaches a predetermined point in its working movement, and manually operable means adapted when actuated to constantly or periodically prevent the sliding mechanism from being forced between the members comprising the duplex elements.

25. In a machine, a duplex means to act upon work, in combination with a unitary moving member, normally inoperativemeans comprising a sliding mechanism which is interposed between the parts of the duplex means to connect the parts of the duplex means and capable of being maintained inoperative by engagement of an obstruction with said duplex-means during the working stroke of the unitary means, and means for rendering said duplex means operative when the path of the unitary element is free.

26. In combination with a duplex means to act upon work, a unitary moving member, normally inoperative means comprising a sliding mechanism which is adapted to be interposed between the parts of the duplex means and capable of being maintained inoperative by engagement of an obstruction with said duplex means during the working stroke ofthe unitary means, means for rendering said duplex means operative when the path of the unitary element is free, and manually operable means adapted when actuated to constantly or periodically prevent the sliding mechanism from being forced between the members comprising the duplex elements and lock the sliding mechanismin inoperative position; I

2 In combination with a duplex work engaging element the parts of which are normally uncoupled and a unitary reciprocating element, actuating means for said reciprocating element, means to couple said parts, and means carried by the actuating means of the reciprocating element to move the coupling means to coupling position when the path of the unitary element to the work is free of any obstructions extraneous to the work. I

28. In combination with a duplex work engaging element the parts of which are normally uncoupled and a unitary reciprocating element, actuating means for said reciprocating element, a sliding mechanism to couple said parts, means carried by the actuating means of the reciprocating element to more the coupling means to coupling position when the path of the unitary element to V the work is free of any obstruction extraneous to the work, manually operable means adapted when actuated to constantly or eriodically prevent the sliding mechanism rom being forced to coupling position, and

means to lock the sliding mechanism in uncoupled position.

29. In combination with a divided movable work engaging element the divisions of which are normally disconnected, a unitary reciprocating element, means to actuate said reciprocating element, a sliding mechanism, and means carried by the actuating means of the reciprocating element to actuate the sliding mechanism to connect the division of the movable element so as to cause same to become rigid when the path of the unitary element to the work is free of any obstructions extraneous to the work.

30. In combination with a divided work engaging element the divisions of which are normally disconnected, a unitary reciprocat- 1 ing element, means to actuate said reciprocating element, a sliding mechanism, means carried by the actuating means of the reciprocating element to actuate the sliding mechanism to positively connect the divisions so as to cause same to become-rigid when the pathof the unitary element to the and means to operate the sliding frame to" work is free of any obstructions extraneous to the work, and manually operable means adapted when actuated to constantly or periodically prevent the sliding mechanism from being forced between the members comprising the duplex element.

31. In combination with a duplex rocking element to act on the work, actuating means for said element, a sliding frame interposed between the parts of the duplex element, a

.unitary element, means for actuating the unitary element, automatic means to operate the sliding frame to rigidly connect the parts of the duplex element for exerting a pressure at a predetermined point in the working movement of the unitary element,

permit the duplex element to yield if subjected to pressure before the unitary element reaches said predetermined pressure point.

32. In combination with a duplex rocking element toact on the work, actuating means for said element, a sliding frame interposed between the parts of the duplex element, a unitary 1 element, means for actuating the unitary element, means to operate the sliding frame to rigidly connect the parts of the duplex element for exerting a pressure at a predetermined point in the working movement of the unitary element, means to operate the slidin frame to permit the duplex element to yie d if subjected to pressure beforethe unitary element reaches said predetermined pressure point, and manually operable means adapted when actuated to constantly or periodically prevent the sliding mechanism from being forced between the members comprising the duplex elements.

33. In a combined safety and throw-off mechanism for platen printing presses, a

duplex rocking element comprising a rocker and platen which are spaced apart and pivotally connected together, a sliding frame adapted to be interposedbetween the rocker and platen, a unitary reciprocating element, actuating means for said unitary element, an ink roller arm, and means attached to the actuating means of the unitary reciprocating element and the ink roller arm to automatically operate the sliding frame to force it between the platen and rocker for rigid connection at a predetermined point in the working movement of the unitary reciprocating element when the path of the element is free of any obstruction.

34. In a combined safety and throw-off mechanism for platen printing presses, a duplex rocking element comprising arocker and platen which are spaced apartand pivotally connected together, a sliding mechanism adapted to be interposed between the rocker and platen, a unitary reciprocating element, actuating means for said unitary element, an ink roller arm, means attached to the actuating means of the unitary reciprocating element and the ink roller arm to automatically operate the sliding frame to force it between the platen and rocker for rigid connection at a predetermined point in the working movementof the unitary reciprocating element when the path of the element is free, and manually operable means adapted when actuated to constantly or periodically prevent the sliding mecha- ,member at a predetermined point of the working movement of the unitary reciprocating member for rigid connection when the path of the unitary element is free, and means associated with the rocking member to withdraw the sliding mechanism from between the parts of the duplex member.

36. In a pressure applying machine, the combination of a unitary reciprocating member and a duplex rocking member, the parts of which are spaced apart and pivotally connected, a sliding frame adapted to be interposed between the parts of the duplex member, means to impart movement to the sliding frame and force it between the parts of the duplex member for rigid connection when the path of the unitary element is free,

meagre rocker for rigid connection, actuating means to impart movement to the unitary pressure member, means adjustably clamped to the actuating means of the unitary member which is adapted to automatically actuate the sliding frame to force it between the platen and rocker at a predetermined point in the working movement of the unitary pressure member, and means associated with the rocker to withdraw the sliding frame from between the rocker and platen to permit the platen to collapse when subjected to pressure prior to the unitary member reaching a predetermined point of its working movement.

38. In a pressure applying machine equipped with a unitary pressure member and a rocking member having a platen pivotally connected thereto, a sliding frame adapted to be interposed between the platen and the rocking member for rigid connection, actuating means to impart movement to the unitary pressure member, means adjustably clamped to the actuating means 0 the unitary member which is adapted to automatically actuate the sliding frame to force it between the platen and rocking member at a predetermined point in the working movement of the unitary pressure member, means associated with the rocking member to withdraw the sliding frame from between the rocking member and platen to permit the platen to collapse when subjected to pressure prior to the unitary reciprocating means reaching a predetermined point of its working movement, and manually operable means to continually or periodically prevent the pressure members from acting on the work.

39. In a machine equipped with a unitary pressure element, actuating means therefor, a duplex rocking element, the parts thereof being spaced apart and pivotally connected, a sliding mechanism, means carried by the actuating means of the unitary element to move the sliding mechanism between the parts of the duplex member to provide rigid connection between the parts at a predetermined point in the working movement of the unitary pressure member when the path of the unitary element is free, and means secured to the rocking element to withdraw tween the parts,

I tween the parts,

said sliding frame from between the parts of the duplex member upon the idle movement of the unitary and rocking elements.

40. In a machine equipped with a unitary pressure element, actuating means therefor, a duplex rocking element, the parts thereof being spaced apart and pivotally connected, a sliding mechanism, means carried by the actuating means of the unitary element to move the sliding mechanism between the parts of the duplex member to provide rigid connection between the parts at a predetermined point in the working movement of the unitary pressure member when the path of the element is free, means secured to the rocking element to withdraw said sliding frame from between the parts of the duplex element upon the idle movement of the unitary and rocking pressure elements, and means to vary the relation of the unitary pressure element with respect to the duplex element to provide for additional space between the pressure elements.

41. In a machine provided with pressure applying elements comprising a reciprocating unitary member and a rocking duplex member having the parts pivotally connected together and spaced apart, a sliding mechanism adapted to be interposed Ibemeans to force the sliding mechanism between the parts of the duplex member for rigid connection, means to withdraw'said sliding mechanism from between the parts to permit yielding movement of one of the parts, and means to vary the relaf -tion of the unitary pressure element with respect to'the duplex element to provide for additional space between the pressure elements.

42. Ina machine provided with pressure applying elements comprising a reciprocating unitary member and a rocking duplex member having the parts pivotally connected together and spaced apart, a sliding mechanism adapted to be. interposed bemeans to force the sliding mechanism between the parts of the duplex member for rigid connection, means to withdraw said sliding mechanism from between the partsto permit yielding movement of one of the parts, and means to lock the sliding mechanism in inoperative position and simultaneously therewith prevent the pres-' sure applying element from exerting a pressure upon interposed work.

43. In a pressure applying machine in combination, a unitary moving element and a duplex element having the parts thereof spaced apart and pivotally connected together, a sliding mechanism, automatic means to actuate the sliding mechanism to rovide a rigid connection between the parts of the duplex member and automatic means to actuate the sliding mechanism to position same to permit yielding movement of one of the parts prior to the unitary element reaching a predetermined point in its Working movement.

44. In a pressure applying machine in combination, a unitary moving element and a duplex element having the parts thereof spaced apart and pivotally connected together, a sliding mechanism, automatic means to actuate the sliding mechanism to provide a rigid connection between the parts of the duplex member, automatic means to actuate the sliding mechanism' to position same to permit yielding movement of one of the parts prior to the unitary element reaching a predetermined point in its Working movement, and manually operable mean-s adapted when actuated to periodically or continuously maintain the pressure element inoperative.

45. In a pressure applying machine in combination, a unitary moving element and a duplex element having the parts thereof spaced apart and pivotally connected together, a sliding mechanism, automatic means to actuate the sliding mechanism to provide a rigid connection between the parts of the duplex member, automatic means to actuate the sliding mechanism to position same to permit yielding movement of one of the parts prior to the unitary element reaching a predetermined point in its Working movement, manually operable means adapted when actuated to periodically or continuously maintain the pressure element inoperative, means to lock the sliding mechanism in inoperative position, and means to vary the Working movement of the unitary element.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

CHARLES F. ROOT. 

